Even so, the thickness of those walls does suggest either an older military installation (protection against, e.g., cannon fire) or an older, somewhat primitive building style in which material strength (i.e., weakness) vs. height is made up with wall thickness.

That's correct, congrats! The 1st photo was of the Sally Port. The prison wagon would enter through the 1st gate which would be closed behind before the next gate was opened. It is one of the original structures that remain today.

Back in its day, this was not a place you wanted to be sent to. In the center of the complex was the "Dark Room". There was a tunnel with solid doors on each end as I remember. Inside was a round chamber surrounding a square iron cage that may have been 12-15' on each side. Prisoners were sent to this cell for various infractions, some times for extended periods. Imagine a number of bad guys occupying this space in total darkness, the only facility was a bucket in one corner of the cage. There was a vent in the roof that was designed much like a P trap so that light could not come in. They say an occasional snake or scorpion might find its way into the vent and drop in on the party. It's now a state park along the interstate with very easy access. No camping here but lots of choices in and around Yuma.

Thanks for the additional info and pics. The next time I go through there, I'll make appoint of stopping. That's along my winter route to the San Diego area where my son and his family live. By the way my answer is a link to the state park web site.

Ken

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silver Goose

That's correct, congrats! The 1st photo was of the Sally Port. The prison wagon would enter through the 1st gate which would be closed behind before the next gate was opened. It is one of the original structures that remain today.

Back in its day, this was not a place you wanted to be sent to. In the center of the complex was the "Dark Room". There was a tunnel with solid doors on each end as I remember. Inside was a round chamber surrounding a square iron cage that may have been 12-15' on each side. Prisoners were sent to this cell for various infractions, some times for extended periods. Imagine a number of bad guys occupying this space in total darkness, the only facility was a bucket in one corner of the cage. There was a vent in the roof that was designed much like a P trap so that light could not come in. They say an occasional snake or scorpion might find its way into the vent and drop in on the party. It's now a state park along the interstate with very easy access. No camping here but lots of choices in and around Yuma.

This area is within a very large area fairly recently added as a National Monument. The area is largely undeveloped and I hired a guide to take me in with a 4x4. The guide said Europeans seem to know about this area more than Americans. I was the only American in the group and the guide gave me a freebee because we are both old hippies.

Should not be too hard to figure out the general area, but you will get brownie points for the exact location. The larger area is known by either or both of 2 names.

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